Lumberland sets info session on zoning rewrite

During its meeting on July 13, the town board of Lumberland took the next step in finalizing the rewrite of its existing zoning law by scheduling a public informational meeting on July 28 at 7 p.m. in the town hall in Glen Spey.

The session will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the work that the Zoning Rewrite Committee has been involved in for nearly two years in updating the 1998 local law.

According to supervisor Nadia Rajsz, the town was required to update its Zoning Plan to coincide with updates to its Comprehensive Plan. Rajsz assembled a committee to focus on this task, chaired by Lewis Powell, who also chairs the town’s zoning board.

Other members include town councilmen Jay Shafer and Joseph Carr and four other town residents. All were assisted by Heather Jacksy of the Sullivan County Planning Department, along with attorneys Helen and David Slottje of the Community Environmental Defense Council (CEDC).

One section of the rewrite is devoted to the potential impacts of heavy industrial uses, such as those experienced in communities where gas drilling is occurring.

“We need to be proactive and protective of our town and its residents,” said Rajsz. “All of the meetings have been open to the public, posted on our website and included in our town newsletter. A lot of time and effort went into this. We encourage everyone to look at it and give us your input. We want to make the rewrite the best it can be.”

Members of the committee, as well as the Slottjes, will be present at the session to discuss the proposed revisions and answer questions. Following that, a public hearing will be scheduled in August. The rewrite project has been funded with a TAG grant from the Upper Delaware Council and must be completed by the end of September. Depending on the extent of the comments received, the town board hopes to finalize the rewrite in time for approval at its meeting on September 14.

Paper copies are available at the town hall in Glen Spey.
In other matters, the town board awarded plaques at its meeting on July 13 to Ann Stiemle and Don “Bosco” Hunt Jr. in recognition of their heroic lifesaving efforts on the cliffs near the Hawk’s Nest last summer (see www.riverreporteron[3] line.com/news/14/2011/06/15/lumberland-duo-recognized-high-risk-rescue), and thanked its highway and fire departments and constabulary for their outstanding work during the recent storms and holiday parade.

Lumberland fire chief Eric Robles and ambulance lieutenant Faith Robles, who were asked to assist during a recent parade in Port Jervis, were able to provide life-sustaining care for a man who suffered cardiac arrest near them.

The Lumberland Fire Department has responded to more than 170 emergency calls this year. It will conduct its Chicken Barbecue Fundraiser on July 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lumberland Firehouse, to raise funds to offset the costs of an expensive tool needed to cut through a new type of metal being used in cars now.

Kadampa Meditation Center announced that it will host the International Buddhist Festival, which is expected to bring 1,500 to 2,000 people to the Glen Spey facility on October 7 through 13. Anyone who can potentially provide housing to participants should contact the center at 845/856-9000.